This Malaysian retiree's carpentry skill turns discarded wood into works of art

Matthews is passionate about DIY projects because it enables her to tap into her creativity. And it keeps the sexagenarian active. Photos: The Star/Faihan Ghani

It’s hard to miss the beautifully constructed birdhouse made from wood scrap at the entrance of retiree Valerene Matthews’ garden. In fact, it’s often a conversation piece.

And as one steps onto her porch, you will be mesmerised further by an array of carpentry work like wooden slabs turned into stands and floating shelves made from reclaimed wood.

Matthews, 62, has been keeping herself occupied with several DIY home projects during the movement control order. When we met, the sexagenarian was working on a tree bark pendant light, and contemplating on creating a wall clock using remnants from the tree bark.

Together with her pensioner husband Paul Ratnam, 63, they chanced upon the tree bark during one of their walks around the neighbourhood.

Matthews and her husband Paul are DIY buddies.

“It’s such a beautiful piece of wood which was thrown by the roadside. Paul and I knew that it could be repurposed into something new, ” says Matthews during an interview at her home in Subang Jaya, Selangor recently. Matthews has been a carpentry and DIY enthusiast for over four decades. As a child, she remembers building makeshift playhouses from scrap wood and cardboard boxes.

“When I was young, my brothers and I would create all sorts of items with whatever material we had. I’ve always had a creative streak in me and I never lost interest in craft and DIY projects, ” explains Matthews, who honed her skills via lessons on the Internet and reading books.

Matthews' parquet stairs was yanked out and retreaded with nyatoh wood, and wallpaper pasted on the risers.

The Libran’s extensive list of creations include a wheelbarrow, a wooden keepsake box, wooden plaques and signboards made with bed slats.

For the past eight years, she has also been building Christmas trees, with different themes each year. Newspaper cuttings, denim, cloth and lace curtain strips, and recycled wood are among the materials of choice each year.

Two years ago, the husband and wife worked together to refurbish their home staircase. It remains as one of the couple’s signature pieces, where the parquet flooring was yanked out and retreaded with nyatoh wood, and wallpaper pasted on the risers. A pursuit of passion

The DIY trend has certainly been boosted by the MCO, especially with people readily sharing step-by-step how-to videos on social media.

On Facebook, there are many DIY groups where like-minded enthusiasts discuss interesting inventions, eye-catching home decorations and ideas.

Lately, more women seem to have been bitten by the DIY bug as well and taking on home makeover projects.

This is fuelled by makeover shows on TV, namely Christina On The Coast, Fixer Upper and Masters of Flip, hosted or co-hosted by women DIY-ers. These series break down gender stereotypes, proving that women have what it takes to engage in DIY projects. And they are willing to take up the challenge, even if it involves lots of wood dust and grit.

On Instagram, many women showcase their capabilities, from constructing wooden tables to retiling floors to fitting old camper vans with electric heating, shower areas and kitchens.

Floating shelves constructed from abandoned wood now hold pretty potted plants.

Carpenter Aida Ihsani, 31, explained that the stay-at-home period due to Covid-19 has also resulted in more people embarking on DIY projects.

“Many people have realised that there are things to fix and empty nooks to fill at home, and what better way to do that than to DIY. DIY projects not only help save costs, especially during times of financial uncertainties, they also give a sense of ownership and pride, ” says Aida, who runs a Petaling Jaya-based carpentry business.

Matthews has always been interested in giving a new lease of life to wooden treasures, which include chairs, window frames and old pieces of timber.

“I feel it’s so wasteful when people throw out old furniture and unwanted pieces of wood. People don’t usually think of upcycling them but many of these items are still in good condition, only needing a fresh coat of paint and some minor repair work.”

Matthews with her Christmas wreath made from recycled plastic.

Instead of buying new things, the friendly lady encourages people to refurbish old items.

“Don’t waste things. Upcycling furniture is a perfect way to take unwanted things and make them look new again. Upcycling also helps to save trees and reduce waste that goes into landfills. Rather than throwing away stuff, another option is to offer them to Facebook groups like Beli Nothing Project Klang Valley or Zero Waste Malaysia.” Matthews has stumbled upon many unwanted gems on her morning walks. She usually brings them home to clean and recrafted into into decorative pieces.

For instance, proudly displayed on a table is an old wooden kitchen cabinet door which Matthews has salvaged and repainted. The rustic piece goes well with her home’s farmhouse theme.

Matthews' handcrafted concrete flower vase makes a beautiful gift.

“Someone threw out this cabinet door near our home. Maybe it was because it had a broken hinge or looked outdated. I am so happy that I’ve restored this wooden door into a decorative piece.

“There’s nothing more satisfying than restoring a broken piece of wood into something unique that looks beautiful on my porch, ” explains Matthews, who has also crafted vases using concrete.

Matthews’ backyard serves as her workstation. She has an array of wood slabs, wooden pallet boxes and some laminated flooring, neatly arranged according to height and size. Tools like a power drill and jigsaw are within her arm’s reach. Neatly arranged in transparent plastic containers are nails, screws and hammers.

The tree bark pendant light is one of Matthews' latest projects. Photo: Valerene Matthews

“By working on DIY projects, I’ve realised that it’s possible to craft many things. I would have never thought I’d be able to make a wheelbarrow from scratch! Thanks to YouTube tutorials, I managed to make it, despite having minimal tools.” While the current movement restrictions may be challenging for some people, Matthews doesn’t mind it too much, happy to execute her endless ideas.

The couple is planning to use some leftover wallpaper fabric from their staircase project as part of their kitchen backsplash.

“My DIY projects have been keeping me busy throughout the stay-at-home period.

“It has enabled me to breathe new life into old furniture and unwanted wood and stretch the ringgit further. At the same time, it has also inspired some of my friends to try their hand at DIY home projects too, ” concludes Matthews, as she continues to work on her tree bark pendant light.